Drop off at the park

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

Just getting started on a drop off tank. We have a 30 gallon goldfish tank that my teen and I maintain, and this week I decided to take the leap into salt water. Bought an Innovative Marine 20 gallon Panorama. Waiting on a custom stand. Currently arranging rocks in my kitchen on staycation.

A few pics of my progress so far. Debating using our 50+ year old conch shell but it may be too big to fit. We’ll see. Super excited to get started. Planning to start the epoxy work today!

sunken3 · Jan 21, 2021

it'll be a fun ride. new tanks are always a blast. regarding the shell.. is it bought or found? if bought there could be chemical residue on it.. likely, though it was left out on the sand for ants to eat the original snail... I would let it soak in water (preferably salt water) for a few weeks just to let whatever may be in/on it a chance to leach off. Good luck!

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

It belonged to my husband’s grandmother for many many years. It doesn’t appear to have anything on it but dust.

Specific Ocean · Jan 21, 2021

The shell looks like it may take up a lot of space on the floor. If you’re going to add corals and a CUC you may not have real estate for them.

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

Alright, first two pieces have epoxy. I used a bunch of Velcro cable ties to hold it stable. Seems like not enough putty but this is why I’m taking my time to get it right.

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

Specific Ocean said:
The shell looks like it may take up a lot of space on the floor. If you’re going to add corals and a CUC you may not have real estate for them.

That’s what I suspect as well. It’s pretty big. I don’t think I’ll know until it’s in there. Might be something that could stay in there until the tank is ready for coral. Feels like that’s gonna take a while.

Specific Ocean · Jan 21, 2021

Before you commit, aquascape the tank (no sand/water) and let it sit for a day or two. If you don’t like it, change it up again until you’re happy.

That’s what I did and it took me a few days to get it right. Once I glued to the rocks, I was committed

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

I’ve got the two main pieces glued. One that’s dry, that’s exactly what I want to do. Then I can debate about the angles and spots to add the other pieces. I bought some to bust up and glue to cover the seams and make a few little islands too.

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

Specific Ocean said:
Before you commit, aquascape the tank (no sand/water) and let it sit for a day or two. If you don’t like it, change it up again until you’re happy.

That’s what I did and it took me a few days to get it right. Once I glued to the rocks, I was committed

Sorry not good at hitting the correct reply button.

Specific Ocean · Jan 21, 2021

Off to a great start. I’ll be keeping an eye out on this build.

KWT · Jan 21, 2021

Looking like you are getting it together. I am helping my wife set up her own tank, same as yours.

WilsonParker · Jan 21, 2021

KWT said:
Looking like you are getting it together. I am helping my wife set up her own tank, same as yours.

Awesome. Do you have a build post yet? Would be fun to see how you guys are setting yours up.

KWT · Jan 21, 2021

Not yet, will have that one up next week

WilsonParker · Jan 22, 2021

sunken3 said:
it'll be a fun ride. new tanks are always a blast. regarding the shell.. is it bought or found? if bought there could be chemical residue on it.. likely, though it was left out on the sand for ants to eat the original snail... I would let it soak in water (preferably salt water) for a few weeks just to let whatever may be in/on it a chance to leach off. Good luck!

It’s super old. Found by my husband’s grandmother.

WilsonParker · Jan 22, 2021

Failed first attempt to epoxy because I moved it. Redid the first two pieces and left overnight to cure. So hard not to touch it!!!

Moved it to the tank and added the second join. I wanted to make sure it fit well so thought the risk of building inside was worth it. Will move it slightly closer to the drop off before I add the bridge to the upper layer.

WilsonParker · Jan 27, 2021

So much epoxy. I’ve glued and re-glued. I haven’t set the top two pieces, but here’s where I’m at:

Specific Ocean · Jan 27, 2021

Looks good so far.

can't wait to see the finished scape

WilsonParker · Jan 27, 2021

I don’t think my shell will fit. It’s just too tight in there. and I don’t wanna crowd it. I’ll probably get it all set with sand and then try a few spots. But I’m not hopeful.

If I finish the epoxy tomorrow maybe water on Friday to get started cycling.

WilsonParker · Jan 28, 2021

Ready to add salt water tomorrow and crank it up! My buddy is picking up materials for the stand tomorrow!

Lorenz725 · Jan 28, 2021

Great start! Looks like you are ready for water. I have the same tank and about the same stand design. What light are you planning on running? If you want check out my build thread.

Nano Build - Two drop off tanks!!!!

Background: I have been out of the hobby for just over five years and wow have things changed. I been trying to catch up on all the technology out there but still keep this new build simple. My last tank was a 150 gallon mixed reef with 3 250W Metal Halides. A 200 gallon basement sump that I had...

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